ebaan [` '`][èbã́ã̀] {SS:time:} n. now; at this time.
(Also: ebanban; ewaan; ewanwan).

ebaba [` ` '][èbàbá] {SS:pn:} n. address term, used
mainly by the young, for father.
Other terms include evbavba; erha.

ebafọ [` ' `][èbáfɔ̀] {SS:pl:} n. a small plant whose
leaves are used as vegetable in afọ soup.

ebakhuẹ [` ' `][èbáxwɛ̀] {SS:an:} n. the red feather-
tail of a parrot.

ebakpẹ [` ' ][èbákpɛ] {SS:pl:} n. a plant (millettia
thonningii) whose leaves are used for
medication against dysentery.
%%

ebamẹmẹ [` ' ` `][èbámɛ̃̀mɛ̃̀] {SS:pl:} n. the leaf of a
local shrub with abrasive surface, and
used for cleaning and shining rough
surfaces.

eban [` '][èbã́] {SS::} n. the act of stripping off
clothes (cf. ban).

ebe [` '][èbé] {SM:pl:} n. 1. leaf; 2. vegetable; 3.
paper; book.

ebeebe [` '` '][èbéèbé] {SM::} n. 1. greenish colour;
2. foliage.

ebekhue [` ' '][èbéxwé] {SS:pl:} n. the leaves of
“garden egg” used in a variety of soups
$Page 021$

as vegetable.

ebeni [` ' `][èbénĩ̀] {SS:pl:} n. a kind of leaf used for
making the thatched roof of traditional
houses.

ebevbarrie [` ' ` '][èbéʋàryɛ́] {SS:fo:} n. (< ebe +
evbarie) a kind of fish (usually smoked)
used in soups and stews.

ebẹn¹ [` `][èbɛ̃̀] {SS:loc:} n. a boundary, a line of
demarkation, especially between
adjacent farms.

ebẹn² [` `][èbɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. dangerous debris, usu-
ally in the form of broken bottles
and metal rods used to prevent tres-
passers from farms and other restricted
territories.

ebi [` '][èbí] {SS:time:} n. night; darkness; ebi ro:
“darkness has fallen.” (Also ebiebi);
ebiebi so: “night has fallen i.e. it has
become dark.”

ebiakabianu [` ` ' ][èbyàkábyanu] {SS::} n. non-
sensical talk; unintelligible utterances.

ebiavan [` ' `][èbyávã̀] {SS::} n. “afternoon dark-
ness”: eclipse of the sun.

ebibi [` ' `][èbíbì] {SS::} n. aimless groping or
wandering.

ebiẹ [` '`][èbíɛ̀] {SS:fo:} n. beer (cf. Engl.).

ebiẹba [` '` '][èbíɛ̀bá] {SS:pl:} n. a local leaf tradi-
tionally used for parcelling cooked
food such as boiled rice (izẹ) or ekusu
(a kind of corn pudding), etc.

ebihieghe [` ' ` `][èbíhyèɣè] {SS:fo:} n. (< ebe +
ihieghe) the fresh leaves of a tree
(Myrianthus arboreus) used as vegetable
in a variety of soup.

ebitẹtẹ [` ' ` `][èbítɛ̀tɛ̀] {SS:fo:} n. the leaves of a
small plant used as vegetables in afọ
soup.
%%

ebiwinna [` ' ` `][èbíwĩ̀nã̀] {SS::} n. “work paper”:
job application.

ebiyẹn [` ' `][èbíyɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. report; newsletter.

ebiyọyọ [ ' ' '][ebíyɔ́yɔ́] {SS:fo:} n. another name
for ebitẹtẹ.

ebo [' ][ébo] {SS:pe:} n. white-man; European.

eboriwo [` ' ' `][èbóɽíwò] {SS:fo:} n. (< ebe + oriwo)
“bitter leaf”, the leaves of a shrub,
bitter in taste, often used with ikpogi
(melon seeds) to make a common
Edo soup.

ebọbọzi [` ` ` '][èbɔ̀bɔ̀zí] {SS:fo:} n. thin slices of
boiled cassava, soaked in cold water,
usually eaten as a snack, rather than
as a meal.

ebọdọndọn [` ' ][èbɔ́dɔ̃dɔ̃] {SS:fo:} n. “water leaf”;
the leaves of a small plant (Talinum
triangulare) used as vegetable in pre-
paring a variety of soups.

ebọlu [` ' `][èbɔ́lù] {SS:ob:} n. ball (also; ibọlu) (cf.
Engl.) (also ibọru/ebọru).

ebọrhẹrhẹ [` ' ` '][èbɔ́řɛ̀řɛ́] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of
local vegetable used in preparing soup.

ebubẹ [` ` `][èbùbɛ̀] {SS:ob:} n. fine sand; dust.

ebuka [' ' `][ébúkà] {SS:ho:} n. food canteen.

ebuluku [` ` ' `][èbùlúkù] {SS:cl:} n. a full-gathered
wrap-around skirt that women tradi-
tionally wear under their wrappers.
It is also worn as an outer garment by
some native priests.

ebumwẹn [` ' `][èbúɱɛ̃̀] {SS:pl:} n. “salt leaf” a
creeper (Manniophyton africanum); it
is said to cause itching when touched.

ebumwẹnkhẹn [` ' ` '][èbúɱɛ̃̀xɛ̃́] {SS:fo:} n. “pump-
kin leaf” a creeper whose fresh leaves
are used as vegetable in soup. The
$Page 022$

seeds of the fruit are also edible when
boiled.

eda [` '][èdá] {SS:ob:} n. rain water collected from
the eaves of a roof. (cf. daa³).

Edaikẹn [` `' '][èdàíkɛ̃́] {SS:pn:} n. the title of the
heir-apparent to the Ẹdo throne; his
court is at Uselu.

edanmwẹn [` ' `][èdã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. examination
(cf. danmwẹn²).

ede [` '][èdé] {SS:an:} n. bush-cow; buffalo. (also
ẹhan).

edede [` ` '][èdèdé] {SS:pe:} n. old woman.

edẹ [` '][èdɛ́] {SS:be:} n. grey hair.

edi [' '][édí] {SS:an:} n. civet-cat.

edigue [` ` `][èdìgwè] {SS:pe:} n. villager; unsophis-
ticated person.

edigun [` ' `][èdígũ̀] {SS:ob:} n. iron.

ediọn [` `][èdỹɔ̃̀] {SM:pe:} n. 1. the elders of a clan
or village usually about 42 and above
in age; 2. pl. of ọdiọn: “older ones.”

ediọnmwan [` ` '][èdỹɔ̃̀ɱã́] {SS:pe:} n. old man.

ediran [` ' `][èdíɽ̃ã̀] {SS:loc:} n. this way; this side;
this part; (also oderan: < odẹ + eran).

edirẹva [` ' ' `][èdírɛ́và] {SS:pe:} n. driver of a vehicle
(cf. Engl.: driver) (also edrrẹva).

Edogun [` ' '][èdógṹ] {SS:pn:} n. title of a war-
chief.

Edọhẹn [` ` '][èdòhɛ̃́] {SS:pn:} n. title of one of
the chiefs belonging to the Uzama.

edọkita [` ' ' `][èdɔ́kítà] {SS:pe:} n. doctor (cf. Engl.)
(also ẹdokita).

edọn [' `][édɔ̃̀] {SS:in:} n. flying termite.
%%

edu [` '][èdú] {SS::} n. translation (used with the
vb. zẹ).

ee [''][éé] {SS:int:} int. response to most greetings
and directives: A: lare! B: ee! ― A:
come here! B: okay!.

efa [` '][èfá] {SS:em:} n. disgrace; embarrassment.

efada [` ` '][èfàdá] {SS:pe:re:} n. a Roman Catholic
Father. (cf. Engl.).

efẹn [` `][èfɛ̃̀] {SS:be:} n. 1. side of the body.

efẹnrhinyẹn [` ` ' `][èfɛ̃̀řĩ́ỹɛ̃̀] {SS:fo:} n. a snack pre-
pared from unsifted cassava, eaten
mainly in the delta area of Bendel
State.

efiaide [` ' `][èfyaídè] {SS:time:} n. Friday (cf. Engl.).

efoni [` ' `][èfónì] {SS:com:} n. telephone.

efoto [` ` '][èfòtó] {SS:com:} n. photograph; picture.

efọnkpa [` ' '][èfɔ̃́k͡pá] {SM:loc:} n. 1. a certain place;
a certain location; 2. the same place
(also ehọkpa).

efukẹ [` ` `][èfùkɛ̀] {SS:int:} int. an expression which
implies that what had been said was
a joke, a lie or a bluff.

efun [` '][èfṹ] {SS:fo:} n. boneless meat; flesh of
animals or human beings; muscle.
(also ifun).

ega-ifi [` ' `][ègáifì] {SS:loc:} n. an enclosed area in
which traps are set.

egalahi [` ` '` `][ègàláàhì] {SS:fo:} n. a tiny drinking
glass used for serving liqueur.

egedege [` ' ' ][ègédége] {SS:bu:} n. storey building.

egilẹ [' ` `][égìlɛ̀] {SS:an:} n. snail.

egirramu [` ' ' `][ègírámù] {SS:unit:} n. gram (cf. Engl.).
$Page 023$

egirrepi [` ' ' `][ègírépì] {SS:fo:} n. grape-fruit (cf.
Engl.).

egosimeti [` ` ` ' `][ègòsìmétì] {SS:pe:} n. gold-smith
(cf. Engl.).

Egọ [` `][ègɔ̀] {SS:pn:} n. a Bini village situated on
the road leading to Siluko.

eguẹva [` `' `][ègùɛ́và] {SS:pl:} n. guava. (cf. Engl.).

egui [` '][ègwí] {SS:an:} n. land-tortoise.

eguọ [` `][ègwɔ̀] {SS::} n. a feat; an exploit; a
performance.

egba [` '][èg͡bá] {SS:to:} n. hunter’s ambush.

egbaha [' ` `][ég͡bàhà] {SS:ho:} n. the beam placed
above a door to support the wall
above it in traditional houses.

egbakhian [` ` '][èg͡bàxyã́] {SM:pe:} n. 1. lovers; 2.
a close friend of any sex.

egbalaka [' ` ` `][ég͡bàlàkà] {SS:to:} n. ladder.

egbe¹ [` '][èg͡bé] {SM:be:} n. 1. body; egbe hia khia
mwẹn ― “all my body hurts me”; 2.
bulk: ẹkpẹtin na mwẹn egbe ― “This
box has bulk.”

egbe² [` '][èg͡bé] {SS:pe:} n. one another; each
other: Iran tuẹ egbe ― “They greeted
each other.”

egbe³ [` '][èg͡bé] {SS::} n. kind, variety; egbe ọna
ẹre ọ yẹẹ mwẹn ― “It is this kind that
pleases me; i.e. This is the kind I like.”

egbe⁴ [` '][èg͡bé] {SS::} adv. in spite of; though:
Egbe ne i ya khama ọnrẹn ighẹ i dee,
i ma ye vba ọre vbe owa ― “In spite
of the fact that I had told him that I
was coming, I still did not meet him
at home.”

egbebalọmwẹn [` ` ' ' `][èg͡bèbálɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. hot
temper; quick temper. (also ibalegbe).
%%

egbedamwẹn [` ` ' `][èg͡bèdáɱɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. being
acutely sensitive to physical or emo-
tional discomfort; being accutely
affected by external stimuli, especially
those that cause pain.

egbegiengiẹnmwẹn [` ` ' `][ègbègỹɛ̃́gỹɛ̃ɱɛ̃̀]
n. {SS:em:} being incapable of enduring or
accommodating pain.

egbekanmwẹn [` ` ' `][èg͡bèkã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. being
easily irritable.

egbekẹn [` ' `][èg͡békɛ̃̀] {SS:ho:} n. wall (especially
of a house).

egbemumwẹn [` ` ' `][ègbèmúɱɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. excite-
ment.

egberọkhọmwẹn [` ` ' ' `][èg͡bèɽɔ́xɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS::} n.
peace and comfort; luxury and lei-
sure.

egberranmwẹn [` ` ' `][èg͡bèrã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. health.

egbewọmwẹn [` ` ' `][èg͡bèwɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. tired-
ness and fatigue.

egbowa [` ' `][èg͡bówà] {SS:ho:} n. the out-house
used for toilet facilities: Egbowa
nokhua “the big out-house; i.e. latrine”;
egbowa nekherhe ― “urinary”.

égbọ [' `][ég͡bɔ̀] {SS:mu:} n. a variety of traditional
songs sung on solemn occasions such
as funerals.

ègbọ [` '][èg͡bɔ́] {SS::} n. the phase of tree-felling
in the process of making a new farm.

egbọn [' `][ég͡bɔ̃̀] {SS:ho:} n. a high fence made of
ikhinmwin trees, and standing at the
entrance of a village (ughe); it serves
to ward off evil spirits and bad charms
from the village.

egbọna [` ' `][ègbɔ́nà] {SS::} n. (< egbe³ + ọna)
“this kind”; this variety (cf. egbe³ ).
$Page 024$

egbọghọ [' ` `][égbɔ̀ɣɔ̀] {SS:pl:} n. native tobacco;
it has a very pungent smell.

egbu [' '][égbú] {SS:bird:} n. a kind of woodpecker
which has a very big head and short
beak.

Eghaẹvbo [` `` `][èɣàɛ̀ʋò] {SS:pn:} n. the title of two
sets of Edo chiefs: 1. Eghaẹvbo Nore,
and 2. Eghaẹvbo Nogbe. The latter is
made up of officials of the palace
(eguae), while the former consists of
town chiefs; such as Iyasẹ, Esọgban,
Esọn and Osuma.

eghan¹ [' `][éɣã̀] {SS:to:} n. metal chain used for
harnessing convicts.

eghan² [' `][éɣã̀] {SS:st:} n. imprisonment; con-
finement.

eghẹrẹ [` ' `][èɣɛ́ɽɛ̀] {SS:st:} n. idleness; something of
ineffective value; something lacking in
purpose or worth.

eghian [' `][éɣỹã̀] {SS:pe:} n. enemy; 2. pl. of
oghian ― enemy.

egho [` '][èɣó] {SS:ho:} n. the over-night rubbish
lying in the house before it is
swept in the morning.

egho [` '][èɣó] {SS:fo:} n. (of food) staleness, re-
sulting from lack of preservatives,
especially over-night; 2. (of persons)
the bad breath before mouth is cleaned
in the morning.

eghorẹ [` ' `][èɣóɽɛ̀] {SS:bs:} n. an idiomatic expres-
sion for pregnancy.

eghọẹn [` '`][èɣɔ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. foreigner.

eghute [' ' '][éɣúté] {SM:loc:} n. 1. beach; riverside;
2. port; harbour.

eha [` '][èhá] {SS:nu:} num. three.

Ehaẹkpẹn [` ' `][èháɛkpɛ̃̀] {SS:pn:} n. title of a
%%

category of Edo chiefs.

ehan [' `][éhã̀] {SS:nu:} num. six.

ehẹankọn [` '` `][èhɛ̃́ã̀kɔ̃̀] {SS:be:} n. plaque on
teeth.

ehaya [` ' `][èháyà] {SS:st:} n. rent; hire: ọ mu
imọto ẹre ye ehaya ― “He put his
car on rent.”

ehe¹ [` '][èhé] {SM:loc:} n. 1. place; location (also
eke) De ehe ne i gha mu enrẹn yi ―
“What place shall I put it?” 2. journey:
I gha ye ehe akhuẹ ― “I shall go on
a journey tomorrow.”

ehe² [` '][èhé] {SS:bs:} n. menstruation.

eheha [` ' `][èhéhà] {SS:nu:} n. groups of three;
threes.

eheikehe [` ' ` '][èhéikèhé] {SS:loc:} n. anywhere;
wherever: eheikehe ne u rhirhi na
miẹ ọnrẹn, u ghu khama mwẹn ―
“wherever you happen to find it,
you tell me.”

ehẹn [' `][éhɛ̃̀] {SS:an:} n. fish.

Ehẹngbuda [` ' ' `][èhɛ̃́gbúdà] {SS:pn:} n. Name of a
past Oba of Benin who reigned from
about 1578 to about 1607 (Egharevba
1968:73).

Ehẹnmihẹn [` ` ' `][èhɛ̃̀mĩ́hɛ̃̀] {SS:pn:} n. name of a
past Ọba of Benin who reigned in
the first half of the thirteenth century
(Egharevba 1968:73).

ẹhẹnnẹdẹn [` ' ' '][èhɛ̃́nɛ̃́dɛ̃́] {SS:bs:} n. perfect health
and wholesomeness.

ehia [' ][éhya] {SS::} ind quant. all (also hia
when it occurs as a modifier.)

ehiagha¹ [` `][èhyaɣà] {SS::} n. cf. ihiagha.

ehiagha² [` `][èhyaɣà] {SS:pl:} n. (with ivin) palm
$Page 025$

kernel: Ọ ya ivin-ehiagha wọn igari ―
“He used palm kernel to drink garri;
i.e. he ate garri with palm kernels.”

ehianmwẹn [' ' `][éhyã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:pl:} n. the hard shell
of a fruit or nut: ehianmwẹn-ivin ―
“coconut shells”.

ehiẹn [' '][éhỹɛ̃́] {SS:be:} n. nails (of human); claws
(of birds) (also ihiẹn).

ehionbọ [' ' `][éhyṍbɔ̀] {SS:be:} n. (< ehiẹn-obọ)
finger-nails (also ihionbọ).

ehionwẹ [' ' `][éhyṍwẹ̀] {SS:be:} n. (< ehiẹn-owe)
toe-nails (also ihionwẹ).

ehọ¹ [` '][èhɔ́] {SM:be:} n. 1. ear. 2. edge.

ehọ² [` '][èhɔ́] {SS:mu:} n. an annual festival of
sacrifice to the ancestors.

Ehọ [` `][èhɔ̀] {SS:pn:} n. Ehor, a town on the
boundary between Ẹdo and Esan-
speaking people.

ehọkpa [` ' '][èhɔ́kpá] {SS:loc:} n. same as efọnkpa.

Ehọndọn [` ' '][èhɔ̃́dɔ̃́] {SS:pn:} n. title of a chief
whose special function is to oversee
the slaughtering and butchering of
sacrificial animals at all the Oba’s
sacrifices.

ehọnmwẹn [` ' `][èhɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. purification.

Eka [` '][èká] {SS:pn:} n. The Ika people and their
language. They are a branch of the
Igbo-Speaking people.

eka [' `][ékà] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of fried tradi-
tional cake made from maize or beans,
and eaten mainly as snack. ekaere ―
fried bean cake.

ekabita [` ' ' `][èkábítà] {SS:pe:} n. carpenter (cf.
Engl.).

ekaebo [' ' `][ékáebò] {SS:fo:} n. (< eka + ebo):
%%

“Whiteman’s cake”: biscuits.

ekagha [` ` `][èkàɣà] {SS:act:} n. muzzle; gag.

ekainkain [` ' '][èkãĩ́kãĩ́] {SS:fo:} n. traditionally
brewed gin.

ekalaka [` ` ' `][èkàlákà] {SS:hh:} n. drinking-glass;
tumbler (cf. Port.: caneca).

ekasa¹ [` ` `][èkàsà] {SM:pl:} n. 1. a tree
(Omphalocarpum procerum); 2. the
rattle made from the husks of the
seeds of the tree, strung with raffia
and worn around the ankles by
dancers.

ekasa² [` ` `][èkàsà] {SS:mu:} n. a very colourful
dance performed by a dance troupe
from Ogbelaka as part of the ceremo-
nies to celebrate the Oba’s coronation.

ekasiu [` ` '][èkàsiú] {SS:pl:} n. cashew: the plant,
the fruit and the nut. (cf. Engl.).

Ekatakpi [` ' ' `][èkátákpì] {SS:pn:} n. a nickname
for a short and fat person, with short
limbs; it derives from a character in
Edo folklore who was a stump.

ekatapila [` ` ` ' `][èkàtàpílà] {SS:tr:} n. caterpillar;
truck (cf. Engl.).

eke [` '][èké] {SS:loc:} n. place; location: I yo eke
ne ọ na winna ― “I visited the place
where he works.” (cf. ehe).

eke [` '][èké] {SS:fo:} n. stunted round yam, used
mainly for planting.

ekesọgban [' ' ' `][ékésɔ́gbã̀] {SS:nu:} num. 25. Also
isẹnyan-ugie.

ekesugie [` ' ` '][èkésùgyé] {SS:nu:} num. 15.

ekẹkẹrẹbo [` ` ` ' `][èkɛ̀kɛ̀ɽɛ́bò] {SS:ob:} n. something
of little worth or consequence.

ekẹn¹ [` '][èkɛ̃́] {SS:time:} n. one of the four days
$Page 026$

in the traditional week on which no
market-day falls. The other days of
the week are: ẹkiọba; ekẹn naka;
and agbado.

ekẹ́n² [` '][èkɛ̃́] {SS:fo:} n. egg.

ekẹ̀n [` `][èkɛ̃̀] {SS:ho:} n. soil, mud; 2. wall of a
house.

ekẹnnekhui [` ` ' `][èkɛ̃̀néxuì] {SS:pl:} n. (< ekẹn +
nekhui)^― “black soil”; humus.

ekẹnnẹkẹnnẹ [` ` ` ' `][èkɛ̃̀nɛ̃̀kɛ̃́nɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. a
spotted design; a pattern of spots:
ẹwu ẹre gbẹnne ẹkẹnnẹkẹnnẹ ― “His
garment is spotted in design.”

ekẹtẹkẹtẹ [` ' ' ' '][èkɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́] {SS:an:} n. ass; donkey.

eki [` '][èkí] {SS:act:} n. trick.

eki [' `][ékì] {SS:to:} n. (same as ukuoki) a pad
placed to wedge a load on the head.

ekia [' '][ékyá] {SS:be:} n. penis.

ekiawa [' ' `][ékyáwà] {SS:pl:} n. a shrub, Erythrina
species.

ekigbesiyeha [` ' ' ` ' `][èkígbésìyéhà] {SS:nu:} num. 50.

ekigbesiyenẹ [` ' ' ` ' `][èkígbésìyénɛ̃̀] {SS:nu:} num. 70.

ekigbesiyisẹn [` ' ' ` ' `][èkígbésìyísɛ̀] {SS:nu:} num. 90.

ekilo [` ' `][èkílò] {SS:unit:} n. kilogram (cf. Engl.).

ekilomita [` ` ' ' `][èkìlómítà] {SS:unit:} n. kilometre (cf.
Engl.).

ekinyanwo [` ' ' '][èkĩ́ỹã́wó] {SS:bird:} n. guinea-fowl
egg (< ekẹn + iyanwo) (cf. Yoruba
ẹyin-awo).

ekiosisi [' ' ' '][ékyósísí] {SS:to:} n. (< ekia + osisi)
“penis of gun”: trigger of a gun.

ekita [' ' `][ékítà] {SS:an:} n. dog (also awa;
%%

ovbiakota).

eko¹ [` '][èkó] {SS:loc:} n. temporary camp; settle-
ment used for purposes of hunting,
farming and, in the past, war.

Eko² [` '][èkó] {SS:pn:} n. the Edo name of Lagos,
which originated with the use of the
territory as a war-camp by Edo warriors
in the 15th and 16th centuries.

ekoko [` ' `][èkókò] {SS:mu:} n. Utte masquerades,
noted for the long chins of their
masks. The masquerade is said to
date back to the reign of Oba Ohẹn
in the 14th century.

ekokodia [` ` ' `][èkòkódyà] {SS:fo:} n. ceremonial
name for coconut.

ekokohiẹn [ ' ' `][ekókóhỹɛ̃̀] {SS:to:} n. a long snail’s
shell previously used as native spoon.

ekokoma [` ' ' `][èkókómà] {SS:mu:} n. a variety of
native pop dance.

ekokoo [` ` '`][èkòkóò] {SS:fo:} n. cocoa (cf. Engl.).

ekonbuẹ [` ' ][èkõbúɛ] {SS:ob:} n. (< ekẹ̀n + obuẹ)
clay; soil with a large proportion of
clay.

ekongbe [` ' `][èkṍgbè] {SS:loc:} n. (< ekẹ̀n + ogbe)
“wall of Ogbe”; the wall that encloses
the Oba’s palace in Benin City.

ekororo [' ' ][ékóroro] {SS:fo:} n. (< eka + ororo)
bean cakes fried in groundnut oil,
rather than palm oil.

ekọka [' ' `][ékɔ́kà] {SS:fo:} n. (< eka + ọka) “maize
cake” traditional cake made from
ground corn, and fried in palm oil.

ekọnka [` ' `][èkɔ̃́kà] {SS:fo:} n. the dried out cob
of corn to which the grains are
attached in an ear of maize.

ekọnkhọkhọ [` ' `][èkɔ̃́xɔxɔ̀] {SS:fo:} n. (< ekẹ́n +
$Page 027$

ọkhọkhọ) chicken egg.

ekọtu [` ' `][èkɔ́tù] {SS::} n. law-court (cf. Engl.).
(also ikotu).

eku [` '][èkú] {SS::} n. malice.

ekuabọ [' ' `][ékwábɔ̀] {SS:be:} n. upper arm.

ekuawẹ [' ' `][ékwáwɛ̀] {SS:be:} n. thigh.

ekuẹ [' '][ékwɛ́] {SS:to:} n. bellows.

ekuku [` ' `][èkúkù] {SS:pe:} n. cook (cf. Engl.).

ekuọmọ [' ' `][ékwɔ́mɔ̀] {SS:an:} n. a fat brown rat
(also known as ẹbete).

ekuu [` '`][èkúù] {SS:bf:} n. semen.

ekuyẹ [` ` '][èkùyɛ́] {SS:hh:} n. spoon (cf. Port.:
colher).

ekha [` '][èxá] {SS:act:} n. a declaration; an author-
itative statement: Ekha gue Osa ―
“Declarations are with god; i.e. god
proposes.”

ekhae [' ` ][éxàe] {SS:ob:} n. sand.

ekhaẹmwẹn [` ` `][èxàɛɱɛ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. chiefs; pl. of
okhaemwen.

ekhaosisi [' ` ' '][éxàosísí] {SS:to:} n. (< ekhae + osisi)
“sand of gun”: gun-powder.

ekhàrha [` ` `][èxàřà] {SS:to:} n. umbrella (also
ugbinnamẹ).

ekhárha [` ' `][èxářà] {SS:mu:} n. recitation; recital.

ekhekhae [' ` ` ][éxèxàe] {SS::} n. (< ekhae +
ekhae) full of sand; being sandy.

ekherhe [` ' '][èxéřé] {SS::} n. a little bit (of
something).

ekhẹn [` `][èxɛ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. a band of travellers,
whether on foot or by some public
%%

means of transport: ekhẹn ni rrie ẹki
― “travellers going to the market”;
ekhẹn ni rrie ugbo ― “travellers going
to the farm.”

ekhọe¹ [' ` ][éxɔ̀e] {SS::} n. mind; will: ekhọe
daan ― “wickedness”; “meanness.”

ekhọe² [' ` ][éxɔ̀e] {SS:pl:} n. palm-branch shed of
its leaves, used for tying yams.

ekhuae [' ` ][éxwàe] {SS::} n. a group of charm
made of pounded medicines used in
both cursing and blessing rituals.

èkhue [` `][èxwè] {SM:bs:} n. 1. shame, embarras-
ment. 2. shyness; self-consciousness.

ékhue [' '][éxwé] {SS:pl:} n. garden-egg; egg plant.

ekhuẹkhuẹ [` ' `][èxwɛ́xwɛ̀] {SS:fo:} n. palm-wine
tapped from fallen palm tree (also
udegbotọ).

ekhui [` `][èxwì] {SS:an:} n. the scaly ant-eater.

ekhuọrhọ [' ` `][éxwɔ̀řɔ̀] {SS:loc:} n. swamp; muddy
soil; slush.

èkpa¹ [` '][èk͡pá] {SS:bf:} n. vomiting; vomit.

èkpa² [` '][èk͡pá] {SS::} n. consideration; cause;
Èkpa ruẹ ẹre ọ ya mwẹn rre ― “It
was on account of you that I came.”

ékpa [' `][ék͡pà] {SM:be:} n. 1. fist: ọ kuun ékpa da
mwẹn ― “He clenched his fist at me”;
2. hitting with the fist; boxing: ọ fi
mwẹn ékpa ― “He boxed me”.

ekpaghudo [` ` ' `][èk͡pàɣúdò] {SS:pl:} n. a tree,
Albizzia zygia.

ekpakara¹ [` ' ' '][èk͡pákáɽá] {SS:in:} n. a variety of
beetle found mainly on the raffia
palm; it sucks juice out of the cuttings
made by wine-tappers.

ekpakara² [` ' ' '][èk͡pákáɽá] {SS:bs:} n. convulsion;
$Page 028$

it afflicts mainly children.

ekpakpahunmwangan
[` ` ` ' ` `][èk͡pàk͡pàhṹɱã̀gã̀] {SS:in:} n. scorpion.

ekpalakpala [` ` ` ' '][èk͡pàlàk͡pálá] {SS:an:} n. a flat
fish with many bones and rough
scales.

ekpamaku [` ` ' `][èk͡pàmákù] {SM:ho:} n. 1. cor-
rugated iron sheet, used for roofing
modern houses, in place of the tradi-
tional thatch; 2. enamel plate, dish
or bowl used in the household.

ekparhurhu [` ' `][èk͡pářuřù] {SS:in:} n. a variety
of wasp that makes its nest on creepers.
It has a very painful sting.

ekpaye [` ` `][èk͡pàyɛ̀] {SS:pe:} n. followers; at-
tendants.

ekpelekpele [` ` ` ' '][èk͡pèlèk͡pélé] {SS:in:} n. mosquito
lava swimming under the water surface.

ekpẹkpẹyẹ [` ' ' '][èk͡pɛ́k͡pɛ́yɛ́] {SS:bird:} n. duck. (cf.
Yoruba pẹ́pẹ́yẹ).

ekpẹtẹsi [` ` ' `][èk͡pɛ̀tɛ́sì] {SS:ho:} n. storey building
(also egedege). (cf. Yoruba pẹtẹsi).

ekpinni [' ` `][ék͡pĩ̀nĩ̀] {SS:unit:} n. half-penny (cf.
Engl.).

ekpo [` `][èk͡pò] {SM:mu:} n. 1. masquerade; 2. a
particular masquerade society of young
boys.

ekpokpo [` ' `][èk͡pók͡pò] {SS:to:} n. traditional
bronze toy “guns” which children
mount on wooden holders and shoot
with nails, using match-stick heads
and sand as gun-powder.

ekpọkọ [` ' `][èk͡pɔ́kɔ̀] {SS:bf:} n. milky drivel
emitted by babies, especially after a
meal.

ekpọnkpọndọn [` ' '][èk͡pɔ̃́kpɔ̃dɔ̃́] {SS:hh:} n. a U-
%%

shaped pin used as a hair dressing
implement by women.

ekpọnmwẹn [` ' `][èk͡pɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:act:} n. 1. thanks-
giving performed by a newly-made
chief in the form of a procession to
the palace and various shrines. 2. (in
the Christian context) a special service
of thanksgiving in which special
offerings are made to the church in
gratitude to God for some special
goodwill recently experienced by
donor ― such as the birth of a child;
successful completion of education,
etc.

ekpukpu [` ' '][èk͡púk͡pú] {SS:fo:} n. a dish prepared
from cassava.

elaghalogho [` ' ' `][èláɣáloɣò] {SS:hh:} n. a bell used
in the Ọkhuahẹ cult, shaped like ẹgogo,
but with a nail inside it.

elalọ [` ' `][èlálɔ̀] {SS:an:} n. ringworm.

elapurhu [` ' `][èlápuřù] {SS:bs:} n. fugitive swellings
in the groin.

elarhẹlarhẹ [` ' ` ' `][èlářɛ̀lářɛ̀] {SS:bs:} n. a disease in
which fluid collects in cavities or
tissues of the body; dropsy.

elawagbọn [` ' `][èláwagbɔ̃̀] {SS:st:} n. maturity and
experience that one acquires through
diversified contacts and exposure.

elẹdẹ [' ' `][élɛ́dɛ̀] {SS:an:} n. domestic pig.

elẹdi [` ' `][èlɛ́dì] {SS:to:} n. lead; lead pencil.

elikhukhu [` ' ` `][èlíxùxù] {SS:an:} n. pigeon (also
enikhukhu).

elita [` ' `][èlítà] {SS:unit:} n. litre (cf. Engl.).

elọya [` ' `][èlɔ́yà] {SS:pe:} n. lawyer (also ulaya)
(cf. Engl.).

elukeluke [` ` ' ` '][èlùkélùké] {SS:an:} n. river-tortoise
$Page 029$

(also ẹruvbọ).

ema¹ [` `][èmà] {SS:mu:} n. drum; there are dif-
ferent varieties, such as emẹdo;
emighan; emugho; etc.

ema² [` `][èmà] {SM:fo:} n. 1. pounded yam; yam
fufu; 2. a collective name for the
different varieties of yam tuber, such
as ikpẹn; igbin; ivu, etc.; 3. the soft
pulp of fruits, usually edible: ema-
orunmwun ― “the pulp of native
pear.”

emaba [` ` `][èmàbà] {SM:mu:} n. 1. a variety of
drum made from calabash, with a
rattle attached to it; it is played in
palace festivals; 2. a dance for which
the emaba drum is used.

emabule [` ' ][èmábule] {SS:pe:} n. a nickname for
a very stupid person.

emaili [` ' `][èmaílì] {SS:unit:} n. mile (also ibiriki)
(cf. Engl.).

emakaesọn [` ` `' `][èmàkàésɔ̃̀] {SS:pr:} n. bicycle re-
pairer.

emakaliki [` ` ' ` `][èmàkálìkì] {SS:pr:} n. mechanic;
auto technician (cf. Engl.).

emasini [` ` ' `][èmàsínì] {SM:to:} n. machine: 1.
sewing machine; grinding machine and
similar appliances; 2. motor-cycle: U
miẹ emasini ne Ozo da dẹ? Did you
see the motor-cycle that Ojo just
bought?

ematọn [` ' `][èmátɔ̃̀] {SS:to:} n. metal; ematọn
nọwegbe ― “steel”.

emazuọkọ [` ' ' '][èmázuɔ́kɔ́] {SS:pe:} n. a very
stupid person; imbecile.

emehe [` ' `][èméhè] {SM::} n. 1. reserve; extra
stock kept for future use: Ọ ya evbare
nii zẹ emehe ye iran ihẹ: “He packed
that food for them as reserve”; 2. gift:
%%

Osanobua ọ ya re kpe emehe gun
mwẹn ― “God sent it to me as a gift.”

emẹ [` '`][èmɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:an:} n. a general name for
apes; individual varieties, include alazi,
akharho, ọsa, etc.

emẹdo [` ` `][èmɛ̃̀dò] {SS:mu:} n. (< ema + Ẹdo)
“drum of Benin”: a big round drum
beaten with one stick and beaten
during ugie ukpetuẹ.

emẹlu [` ` '][èmɛ̃̀lú] {SS:an:} n. bull.

emi [' `][émĩ̀] {SS:ob:} n. bulk, thickness; weight:
Ọkpan na mwẹn emi ― This plate has
bulk.

emiamwẹn [` ` `][èmỹã̀ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. illness (also
uhunmwonva); emiamwẹn-Uhobo ―
“Urhobo sickness”, i.e. gonorrhea.

emiegbe [` ' `][èmyẽ́gbè] {SS:hh:} n. beads, worn
around the neck, wrist, or around the
hips. (also emwin-egbe).

emiehọ [` ' `][èmyẽ́hɔ̀] {SS:cl:} n. ear-rings (also
emwin-ehọ).

emiekhue [` ' `][èmyẽ́xwè] {SS:em:} n. disgrace;
shame. (also emwienkhue).

emiẹki [` ' `][èmyɛ̃́kì] {SS:fo:} n. native pudding
made from yam; it is steamed in wraps
of ebiẹba leaves.

emighan [` ' `][èmĩ́ɣã̀] {SS:mu:} n. a drum for chiefs,
placed on the ground and beaten with
two sticks.

emilẹ [' ' `][émĩ́lɛ̀] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of red yam.

emiowo [` ' `][èmyṍwò] {SS:fo:} n. meat (also
aranmwẹn).

emita [` ' '][èmĩ́tá] {SS:unit:} n. meter (cf. Engl.).

emitan [` ' `][èmítã̀] {SS:bs:} n. laziness; indolence.
$Page 030$

emitẹ [' ` `][émĩ̀tɛ̀] {SS:pe:} n. a dwarf; a stunted
person.

emizaduma [` ' ` ` '][èmĩ́zàdùmã́] {SS:mu:} n. a war
drum.

emizagbẹdẹ [` ' ` ' '][èmĩ́zàgbɛ́dɛ́] {SS:mu:} n. a drum
played for the izagbẹdẹ dance.

emọnde [` ' `][èmɔ̃́dè] {SS:time:} n. Monday (cf.
Engl.).

emorhọ [` ' `][èmṍřɔ̀] {SS:fo:} n. (< ema-orhọ)
“yam of rainy season”: new yam.

emosima [` ' `][èmṍsimã̀] {SS:an:} n. a kind of
tortoise said to have been charmed
by Ọkhuahẹ, and put in the bush
surrounding his shrines.

emota [` ' `][èmṍtà] {SS:fo:} n. (< ema + ota)
“pounded yam of the evening”,
evening meal; supper.

Emotan [` ' `][èmṍtã̀] {SS:pn:} n. the name of an
Edo heroine of the 15th century com-
memorated by the bronze statue of a
queen mounted in 1954 at her grave
site where a sacred uruhe tree once
grew, in front of the Ọba market;
this had been cut down inadvertently
by a construction firm. By Ewuare’s
decree, the Oba makes sacrifices to
it, and every traditional burial pro-
cession visits the statue and offers
it cowries and chalk.

emọ [` '][èmɔ̃́] {SS:pe:} n. children; off-spring (pl.
of ọmọ).

emọwẹ [` ' `][èmɔ̃́wɛ̀] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of white
yam, generally not used for pounding.

emuẹn [` `][èmwɛ̃̀] {SS:ob:} n. ashes.

emugho [` ' `][èmṹɣò] {SS:mu:} n. a small dance-
drum beaten by hand, and used mainly
by women.
%%

emunẹmunẹ [` ` ` ' `][èmũ̀nɛ̃̀mṹnɛ̃̀] {SS:in:} n. fire-
fly; glow-worm.

emwan [` '][èɱã́] {SS:loc:} adv. here.

emwanmwan [` ' `][èɱã́ɱã̀] {SS:st:} n. arrange-
ment; preparation (cf. mwanmwan).

emwẹnmwẹn [` ' ``][èɱɛ̃́ɱɛ̃̀ɛ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. madness.

emwienhọ [ ][eɱyẽhɔ] {SS:hh:} n. ear-rings (also
emiehọ).

emwienkhue [` ' `][èɱĩẽ́xwè] {SS:bs:} n. disgrace;
shame; embarassment. (also emiekhue).

emwin [` ''][èɱĩ́ĩ́] {SS:ob:} n. thing; object; issue.

emwinnekhua [` ` ' `][èɱĩ̀néxwà] {SS:re:} n. “the
great things”: the idiomatic designa-
tion for the burial rites of an Ọba.

emwindamwẹn [` ` ' `][èɱĩ̀dáɱɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. tight-
handedness; stinginess.

emwinfi [` ` '][èɱĩ̀fí] {SS:bs:} n. smallpox.

emwingbeni [` ' ' `][èɱĩ́g͡bénĩ̀] {SS:bs:} n. “thing that
killed elephant”: tooth-ache (also
emwinrrakọn).

emwinkemwin [` ` ` '][èɱĩ̀kèɱĩ́] {SS:ob:} n. any-
thing; whatever thing.

emwinrebo [` ' ' `][èɱĩ́ɽébò] {SS:hh:} n. chinaware;
porcelain.

emwinrẹnrẹn [` ````'][èɱĩ̀ɽ̃̀ɛ̃̀ɽ̃̀ɛ́] {SS:in:} n. creeping
insects (cf. rẹnrẹn).

emwinrrakọn [` ` ' `][èɱĩ̀rákɔ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. “some-
thing in the teeth”: toothache (also
emwinrrunu).

emwinrraro [` ` ' `][èɱĩ̀ɽáɽò] {SS:bs:} n. fever; also
yellow fever or malaria fever (also
evbirraro).
$Page 031$

emwinrri [` ' `][èɱĩ́rì] {SS:an:} n. “thing of the
rope”: domesticated animals, such as
sheep and goats.

emwinrrọbẹvbo [` ` ' `][èɱĩ̀rɔ́bɛʋò] {SS::} n.
“things that are in the Oba’s land”:
male youth of 7 ― 14 years; tradi-
tionally they constituted an age-
grade responsible for sweeping the
streets. In villages, they also empty
the refuse. (also evbirrẹvbo).

emwionko [` ' '`][èɱỹṍkɔ́ɔ̀] {SS:pl:} n. farm crops;
mainly cash crops.

emwionrhọ [` ' `][èɱỹṍřɔ̀] {SS:act:} n. harvest.

emwiunbiẹmwẹn [` ' ' `][èɱyúbyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS::} n.
“matter-of-childbirth.” labour.

emwiunwawa [` ' ` `][èɱỹṹwàwà] {SS:fo:} n. bean
pottage made with palm oil.

ena [` `][ènã̀] {SS::} dem. pr. these, these ones:
Ena ẹre ọ khaa ― “These are the ones
he means”.

enamwunsin [` ' ' `][ènáɱṹsĩ̀] {SS:time:} adv. a long
period of time back, for long ago:
enamwunsin ọ ghise edinran ― it is a
long time since he got here: He has
been here for long.

enaimwẹn [` ' `][ènã́iɱɛ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. “my owner”;
“my lord”; a deferential address term
used by women to their husbands and
the latters’ relatives.

ene [` '][ènẽ́] {SS::} def. art. the: ene okpia
vboo? ― “Where is the man?”

enena [' ' `][énẽ́nã̀] {SS::} dem. these ones.

enenẹ [` ' `][ènẽ́nɛ̃̀] {SS:nu:} adv. in groups of four;
fours.

enẹ [` '][ènɛ̃́] {SS:nu:} num. four.

eneirrọvbugie [` ' ' `][ènɛ́iɽɔ́ʋugyè] {SS:nu:} num.
%%

sixteen (i.e. four-missing-from-twenty).,
eneirrovbọgban ― “twenty-six”: (i.e.
four-missing-from-thirty).

enẹghẹdẹnẹ [` ' ' ` `][ènɛ́ɣɛ́dɛ̀nɛ̃̀] {SS:time:} n. four
days ago.

ení [` '][ènĩ́] {SS:an:} n. elephant; ení-amẹ ― “water
elephant”: hippopotamus.

enì [` `][ènĩ̀] {SS::} n. name (also erin).

enia [` '][ènyã́] {SS::} adv. thus; so; this manner.

enibokun [` ' ` '][ènĩ́bòkṹ] {SS:an:} n. cattle egret.

enigie [` ' `][ènĩ́gyè] {SS:pe:} n. chiefs and other
titled rulers.

enii [' `'][énĩ̀ĩ́] {SS::} dem. those ones.

enikaro [` ' ` `][ènĩ́kàɽò] {SM:pe:} n. (< ene-i-karo)
“those who came in front”. 1. the
ancestors. 2. pioneers.

enikẹre [` ' ` `][ènĩ́kɛ̀ɽè] {SS::} n. the others; the
remainder.

enikhukhu [` ' ` `][ènĩ́xùxù] {SS:an:} n. pigeon (also
elikhukhu).

enitan [' ` `][énĩ̀tã̀] {SS:an:} n. prawns and shrimps.

eniwanrẹn [` ' `][ènĩ́w̃ãɽ̃ɛ̃̀] {SM:pe:} n. 1. a de-
ferential address term used for a group
of elderly people. (sg. ― enọwanrẹn);
2. elders. eniwanrẹn-asọn ― “elders
of the night”: an idiomatic expression
for witches, wizards, and other evil
spirits.

(e)nokpa [` ' `][ènɔ́kpà] {SS::} n. the other one.

enọyaenmwan [` ' ' `][ènɔ̃́ỹãɛ̃́ɱã̀] {SS:pe:} n. “our
owner”: (in Christian sense): our Lord.

epa [` `'][èpàá] {SS:pe:} n. a colloquial address
term for a man, used mainly by young
people. (cf. Engl. Pa).
$Page 032$

epẹntiro [` ` '][èpɛ̃̀tiɽó] {SS:ob:} n. petrol (cf. Engl.).

epianpian [` ' `][èpyã́pyã̀] {SS:ec:} n. the piping
hornbill.

ére [' `][éɽè] {SS:fo:} n. beans.

ère [` `][èɽè] {SM:ec:} n. 1. profit; gain; advantage;
2. reward. Ọ rri ere iwinna esi ne ọ
winnaẹn ― He got the reward of the
good things he had done.

Erediauwa [' ' `' `][éɽédyàúwà] {SS:pn:} n. name of
the reigning Ọba of Benin.

Eresọyẹn [' ' ` `][éɽésɔ̀yɛ̃̀] {SS:pn:} n. name of a past
Ọba of Benin.

erẹrẹ [` ' `][èɽɛ́ɽɛ̀] {SS:st:} n. deception.

erẹnrẹn [` ` '][èɽ̃ɛ̃̀ɽ̃ɛ̃́] {SS:nu:} num. eight.

ero [` '][èɽó] {SS:st:} n. deception; trick.

erọ [` `][èɽɔ̀] {SS:to:} n. knife.

eru [` `][èɽù] {SS:bi:} n. placenta.

eruan [` '][èɽ̃w̃ã́] {SS::} n. any harmful charm.

erha [' '][éřá] {SM:pe:} n. 1. father; male parent; 2.
ancestor for whom a shrine is mounted
in the home.

erherha [' ' '][éřéɽ̌á] {SS:pe:} n. “father’s father”:
paternal grandfather.

erhiye [' ' '][éříyé] {SS:pe:} n. “mother’s father”:
maternal grandfather.

erha-nagbọn [' ` ' `][éřànág͡bɔ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. “earthly
father”; lover.

erha-nasagbọnmiẹn [' ` ` ` ` '][éřànàsàg͡bɔ̃̀myɛ̃́]
n. {SS:pe:} “father-one-reaches the world to
find”: foster father or benefactor.

erha-nọkhua [' ` ' `][éřànɔ́xwà] {SS:pe:} n. “big
father”: grandfather.
%%

erha-odede [' ' ` `][érháodèdè] {SS:pe:} n. great
grandfather; also grandfather.

Erhamwonsa [' ` ' `][éřàɱṍsà] {SS:pe:} n. “Osa,
my father” an appellation for the
Supreme God, Osa.

erhan [` '][èřã́] {SM:pl:} n. 1. tree; plant; shrub;
2. wood; stick, rod; 3. magical
charm.

erhe¹ [` `][èřè] {SS:pl:} n. part of the palm fruit
by which it is attached to the tree.

erhe² [` `][èřè] {SS:hh:} n. a copper stool said
to have been sent to the Ọba of
Benin by the Portuguese (Melzian p.
40).

erhẹn [` `][èřɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. fire.

erhẹnbavbogo [` ` ` ' `][èřɛ̃̀bàʋógò] {SM:pl:} n. 1. a
shrub, Enantia afinis; the wood is
bright yellow on the inside and gives
off a yellow sap; 2. yellow colour.

erhẹnzọ [` ' '][èřɛ̃́zɔ́] {SS:pl:} n. (< erhẹn + ẹzọ)
“wood of the law-suit” ― dock,
witness box. Iran tie ẹre ne ọ do sẹ
osẹ vbe erhẹnzọ ― “He was called to
the witness box to testify”.

erhẹrhẹ [` ' '][èřɛ́řɛ́] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of melon,
used for soup.

erhigọẹn [` ` '`][èřìgɔ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:bird:} n. heron (also
etingọẹn).

erhindo [ ' ][eřĩ́do] {SS:to:} n. (< erhan + ido)
“loom stick”: the rod to which the
threads are fastened in a loom.

erhọn [' '][éřɔ̃́] {SS::} n. craw-craw; rashes.
erhọnfọ ― heat rash.

erhuan [` '][èřw̃ã́] {SS::} n. shedded skin or
scales (e.g. of a snake).

erhuaengbe [` ` `][èřw̃ã̀ɛgbè] {SS:pe:} n. disciples;
$Page 033$

followers; attendants.

erhumohi [` ' `][èřúmohì] {SS:an:} n. the dark-
heeled Cuckoo or Senegal Coucal.

erhunmwun [` ` `][èřũ̀ɱũ̀] {SS:re:} n. prayer
(mainly Christian sense, but also used
in traditional religion); blessing.

erhunmwunrriarria [` ` ` ' `][èřũ̀ɱũ̀ryáryà] {SS:in:} n.
butterfly.

erhunmwunyẹn [` ' ` '][èřṹɱũ̀yɛ́] {SS:pe:} n.
stranger; guest in a house.

erhuru [` ' '][èřúɽú] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of yam
that has a slightly bitter taste when
boiled.

erra [' '][érá] {SS::} n. ganglion.

erri [` `][èrì] {SS::} n. knotty part in a piece
of wood or creeper.

erria¹ [` '][èryá] {SS:act:} n. grazing.

erria² [` '][èryá] {SS::} n. 1. interpretation,
explanation (e.g. of code terms in
oracles or riddles).

erriarra [` ' `][èryáryà] {SS:in:} n. sandfly.

erriọ [` '][èryɔ́] {SS::} adv. thus; so; like that:
vbene u gie ẹrẹ, erriọ ẹre ọ wa gha ye
― “Just as you described it, so it was
exactly.”

errọ [` '][èrɔ́] {SM:pe:} n. 1. the state of being a
tenant rather than landlord: errọ ẹre
o ye vbe òwa nii ― “He is a tenant in
that house.”; 2. suspense; uncertainty.

erru [` '][èrú] {SS:to:} n. a rack on which yam
harvest is arranged and tied for storage
and safe keeping.

esa [` '][èsá] {SS::} n. relevance; connection; con-
tribution in some enterprise: wẹ i
mwẹn esa ne u ye vbe ẹmwẹn na ―
%%

---

“You have no relevance in this matter,
i.e. there is no contribution you can
make in this matter.”

esagiẹn [` ' `][èságỹɛ̃̀] {SS:bf:} n. blood (also
ẹrhaẹn).

Esago [' ` '][ésàgó] {SS:pn:} n. the name of the god
of thunder, Sango; (also esango; isango;
& isago) (cf. Yoruba sango).

èsago [` ' `][èságò] {SS:to:} n. a large narrow-necked
bottle, usually encased in wicker-
work.

Esagho [' ` `][ésàɣò] {SS:pn:} n. the name of the
chief wife of Ogiso, typically depicted
in Edo folktales as ill-fated.

esakpaede [` ' ' `][èsákpáedè] {SS:mu:} n. 1. a variety
of drum, used for a dance by the same
name, and danced to by men (ighele).

esakparẹghodin [` ' ' ` `][èsákpáɽɛɣòdĩ̀] {SS:pe:} n.
great-grandchild.

esalebo [` ` ' `][èsàlébò] {SS:pl:} n. a plant, whose
black seeds are strung around a
calabash to make the musical instru-
ment known as “ukusẹ”.

esalọ [` ' `][èsálɔ̀] {SS:bs:} n. a disease in the form
of small sores on hands and feet.

Esama [' ` '][ésàmã́] {SS:pn:} n. the title of the chief
who performs the ama ceremony.

Esan [' `][ésã̀] {SS:pn:} n. the Ishan people, one of
the tribes in the Edo ethnic group.

esatọde [` ' ` '`][èsátɔ̀déè] {SS:time:} n. Saturday (cf.
Engl.).

esanmwan [` ` `][èsã̀ɱã̀] {SS::} n. any carved
bone or ivory.

ese [` `][èsè] {SS:re:} n. any sacrifice that should
have been made according to the
prediction of an oracle: ese ọ rre ọre
$Page 034$

---

egbe ne ọ na khuọnmwin ― “He is
sick because he is in default of making
a sacrifice that was predicted.”

eseku [` `' ][èsèékʋ] {SS:pe:} n. a dwarf-like being
believed to wander in the dense forest,
with a woven mat tucked under his
armpit.

Esere [` ` `][èsèrè] {SS:pn:} n. the title of a senior
chief of the Iwẹguae society.

eseso [` ' `][èsésò] {SS::} quant. some; any
(occurs only in negative clauses):
i sẹ evba, i ma miẹ iran eseso ― “I
got there and found none of them.”

esẹghẹsẹghẹ [ ][esɛɣɛsɛɣɛ] {SS:pl:} n. the gum-
tree (Tetrapleura tetraplera).

esẹntimẹta [` ` ' `][èsɛ̃̀tímɛ̃tà] {SS:unit:} n. centimetre
(cf. Engl.).

esi¹ [` `][èsì] {SS:an:} n. bush-pig (also esi-oha). esi-
ebo ― domestic pig; hog.

esi² [` `][èsì] {SS:em:} n. goodness; the right or
desirable qualities: ọmwan esi ― “a
person of goodness”; i.e. a good
person; emwin esi ― “a thing of
goodness”: a good thing.

esia [` '][èsyá] {SS:st:} n. hale; ikpesia ―
“halestone”.

esiasio [` ' `][èsyásyò] {SS:bird:} n. the Bristlebill bird.

esiesi [` ' ][èsyési] {SS::} n. (< esi + esi) excellent
quality; perfection.

esieki [` ' `][èsyɛ́kì] {SS:ec:} n. cheque (cf. Engl.).

esiga [` ` '][èsìgá] {SS:hh:} n. cigarette (cf. Engl.).

esikpogho [` ' ' `][èsíkpóɣò] {SS::} n. the Bulbul.

esiliki [` ' `][èsílikì] {SS:cl:} n. silk; also rayon (cf.
Engl.).
%%

esimẹti [` ` ' `][èsìmẽ́tì] {SS:ho:} n. cement (cf. Engl.).

eso [` '][èsó] {SS::} n. some: eso rre emwan ―
“some are here.”

esoghosogho [` ' ' ' '][èsóɣósóɣó] {SS:to:} n. baby’s
rattle. (cf. sogho).

esosomaye [` ' ' ` `][èsósómàyè] {SS::} n. a charm,
having predictive power, owned by the
Ọba.

esọbiri [` ' ` `][èsɔ́bìɽì] {SS:to:} n. shovel, spade (cf.
Engl.).

esọbu [` ' `][èsɔ́bù] {SS:bu:} n. shop; trading store;
workshop. (cf Engl.).

Esọgban [' ` '][ésɔ̀gbã́] {SS:pn:} n. the title of a
senior chief, who is a member of the
Eghaevbo n’Ore, and who acts for
the Iyasẹ in his absence.

esọkisi [` ' ` `][èsɔ́kìsì] {SS:cl:} n. socks (cf. Engl.).

Esọn [' `'][ésɔ̃̀ɔ̃́] {SS:pn:} n. the title of a senior
chief, who is a member of the
Eghaẹvbo n’Ore.

esọnde [` ' `][èsɔ̃́dè] {SS:time:} n. Sunday (cf. Engl.).

esọsi [` ' `][èsɔ́sì] {SS:bu:} n. Church (cf. Engl.).

Esu [` `][èsù] {SM:pn:} n. 1. in traditional religion:
the name of a harmful deity believed
to be sent by the other gods to cause
trouble: it cannot kill a man, but
would lead him into danger or temp-
tation; 2. In the Christian sense,
the Devil; Lucifer.

esughusughu [` ` ` ' `][èsùɣùsúɣù] {SS:bird:} n. owl.

esuku [` ` '`][èsùkúù] {SS:bu:} n. school (cf. Engl.).

eta [` '][ètá] {SS:act:} n. talk; speech (also pl. of
ọta ― speech).

etalọ [` ' `][ètálɔ̀] {SM:act:} n. 1. utterances; 2. talk-
$Page 035$

ativeness.

etalugbo [` ' ' '][ètálúg͡bó] {SS:cl:} n. a farmer’s
small wrap that he wears to the farm;
loin-cloth.

etaro [` ' `][ètáɽò] {SS:be:} n. (< eto ― aro) “hair
of the eyesbrows”: eyebrows.

ete [` `][ètè] {SS:st:} n. crisis; problem; trouble.

etebetebe [` ' ' ' '][ètébétébé] {SS:in:} n. a very small
insect that runs on the surface of water
in rivers, streams and ponds.

eteburu [` ' ` `][ètébùɽù] {SS:hh:} n. table. (cf. Engl.).

etekia [` ' '][ètékyá] {SS:be:} n. (< eto ― ekia)
“hair of the penis”: male pubic hair.

etẹbitẹ [` ' ' `][ètɛ́bítɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. eternity; forever.

etẹlivisọn [` ` ` `][ètɛ̀lìvisɔ̃̀] {SS:hh:} n. television (also
etiivi).

etẹn [` '`][ètɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. relatives; siblings. (also
pl. of ọtẹn ― relation).

etianran [` ' `][ètĩã́ɽ̃ã̀] {SM:bird:cl:} n. 1. peacock; 2.
silk.

etifuanro [` ' ' `][ètífũã́ɽò] {SS:be:} n. (< eto ― ifuẹn
― aro): “hair of the wings of the
eyes”: eyelashes.

etivi [` `' `][ètìívì] {SS:hh:} n. television. (also
etẹlivisọn).

etingọẹn [` ` '`][ètĩ̀gɔ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:bird:} n. heron (also
erhigọẹn).

etisa [` ' `][ètísà] {SS:pr:} n. teacher (cf. Engl.).

etitibiiti [` ` ` '` `][ètìtìbíìtì] {SS:bird:} n. a black bird
with a lyre-shaped tail, believed to be
the king of birds.

eto [` '][ètó] {SS:be:} n. hair; eto nakiin ― “hair
plaited with thread”; eto namẹn ―
%%

---

“braided hair”; etonukẹn ― “kinky
hair”.

etolotolo [` ` ' ` '][ètòlótòló] {SS:bird:} n. turkey.

etobatoba [` ` ` ' '][ètòbàtóbá] {SM:ob:} n. 1. some-
thing that has become permanently
glued on to something else; 2. a per-
manent stain. (cf. toba).

etọghọtọghọ [` ' ' ' '][ètɔ́ɣɔ́tɔ́ɣɔ́] {SS::} n. rooster’s
crest at its throat.

etọnni [ ' `][etɔ̃́nĩ̀] {SS:unit:} n. ton (cf. Engl.).

etuhe [` ' `][ètúhè] {SS:be:} n. (< eto ― uhe) “hair
of the vagina”: female pubic hair.

etuheru [` ` ' `][ètùhéɽù] {SS:hh:} n. scissors (also
ugbeto; alumagazi).

eturarri [` ' ` '][ètúɽàrí] {SS:ob:} n. frankincense.

etuu [` '`][ètúù] {SS:to:} n. cannon.

eva [` '][èvá] {SS:nu:} num. two.

evẹbu [` ` `][èvɛ̃̀bù] {SS::} n. verb (cf. Engl.).

evavu [` ' `][èvávù] {SS:to:} n. valve, in cars, motor-
cycles and bicycles; (also evav) (cf.
Engl.).

evé [` '][èvé] {SS:act:} n. weeping.

evè [` `][èvè] {SS:bs:} n. elephantiasis of the
scrotum.

éveva [' ` '][évèvá] {SS::} quant. 1. both (also
èvèvá): viọ éveva mẹ ― “give both
to me”.

èveva [` ' `][èvévà] {SS::} adv. in pairs; two’s.

evẹn [` '`][èvɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. wrestle.

evie [' '][évyé] {SS:to:} n. a block with an iron
surface on which smiths work metal;
anvil.
$Page 036$

evuato [' ' `][évwátò] {SS:to:} n. grass-cutter.

evue [' '][évwé] {SS:in:} n. a variety of ant that
is found on corpses.

evba [` '`][èʋáà] {SS:loc:} adv. over there; there: mu
ye evba: “place it over there.”

evbaakhuẹ [` `' ][èʋàáxwɛ] {SS:hh:} n. soap.

evbare [` ` '][èʋàɽé] {SS:fo:} n. food.

evbarriẹ [` ` '][èʋàryɛ́] {SS:fo:} n. an ingredient pre-
pared from melon, used in native
soups.

evbàvba [` ` '][èʋàʋá] {SS:pe:} n. an address and re-
ference term meaning “father”, used
mainly by adults. It also conveys
some degree of respect and deference;
in Christian prayers, it is usually used
as an address term for God.

evbávba [` ' `][èʋávà] {SM:pe:} n. 1. the supreme
authority; 2. an address term often
used for the Ọba.

evbayamose [` ` ' ` '][èʋàyámòsé] {SS:hh:} n. soap
(also evbakhuẹ).

evbayawuo [` ` ' `'][èʋàyáwùó] {SS:hh:} n. body
cream; pomade.

evbibiọmọ [ ][eʋibyɔmɔ̃] {SS:pe:} n. parents.

evbihiọrọ [ ][eʋihyɔɽɔ] {SS:an:} n. reptile.

evbikhọọ [` ` `'][èʋìxɔ̀ɔ́] {SS:ob:} n. something of no
value; a “no-good”.

evbisun [` ` '][èʋìsṹ] {SS:an:} n. a general name for
the different varieties of snails, such
as egile, akikọ, etc., derived from
their mode of crawling motion.

evbọ [` '][èʋɔ́] {SS:bs:} n. scabies.

evbu [` '`][èʋúù] {SS::} n. dew; morning mist.
%%

ewa [` '][èwá] {SS:hh:} n. sleeping-mat made out of
the stems of ebiẹba.

ewan [` '`][èwã́ã̀] {SS:time:} n. now (cf. eban).

ewanniẹn [` ' `][èwã́nỹɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. response;
reply; answer.

ewanmwẹn [' ` `][éwã̀ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:pl:} n. palm branch
with the leaves on.

ewẹn [` '`][èwɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SM:fo:be:} n. 1. breast; 2. milk:
ya ewẹn nẹrẹn wẹn ― “breast-feed
it.”

ewẹnmila [` ' ` '][èwɛ̃́mìlá] {SS:fo:} n. (< ewẹn ―
emila) “cow’s milk”: dairy milk.

ewi [' '][éwí] {SS:an:} n. a variety of fish, usually
sold in the smoked form.

ewindo [' ' `][éwĩ́dò] {SS:ho:} n. window (cf.
Engl.).

ewinso [` ' `][èwĩ́sò] {SS:act:} n. whistle (cf. Engl.).

ewisiki [` ` ` '][èwìsìkí] {SS:fo:} n. whisky (cf. Engl.).

éwọe¹ [' '`][éwɔ́è] {SS:act:} n. whistling (by mouth).

éwoe² [' '`][éwɔ́è] {SS:ob:} n. lava of a fly found
under mats on mud beds that had
been urinated on. It causes itching
and craw-craw.

èwoe [` ``][èwɔ̀è] {SS:pe:} n. attendants; followers.

Eyaẹn [` `'][èỹã̀ɛ̃́] {SS:pn:} n. the name of a village
on the outskirts of Benin along the
Benin ― Auchi Road.

eyan [` '][èỹã́] {SS:act:} n. pledge; promise (cf. yan).

eyanyan [` ' `][èỹã́ỹã̀] {SS:act:} n. yawn (cf. yanyan);
yawning.

eyeyẹ [` ' `][èyéyɛ̀] {SS:pe:} n. (< eyẹ ― eyẹ)
“grandchild-grandchild”: cousins.
$Page 037$

eyẹ [` '][èyɛ́] {SS:pe:} n. grandchild.

ezẹ [` '][èzɛ́] {SS:to:} n. a chisel-like blade used by
wine-tappers; (cf. afian).

ezẹgizẹgi [` ' ' ' '][èzɛ́gízɛ́gí] {SS:bs:} n. dysentery
diarrhoea.

ezikẹn [' ' `'][ézíkɛ̃̀ɛ̃́] {SM:mu:} n. 1. flute; it is made
from a long thin calabash, and played
during certain palace festivals; 2. the
whining of a child.
%%

ezini [' ` `][ézĩ̀nĩ̀] {SS:to:} n. engine (cf. Engl.).

ezinniya [` ` ' `][èzĩ̀nĩ́yà] {SS:pr:} n. engineer (cf.
Engl.).

ezọbu [` ' `][èzɔ́bù] {SS:pr:} n. job: usually daily-
paid labour, often requiring no
specialized skill.

Ezọti [` ' `][èzɔ́tì] {SS:pn:} n. name of a past Ọba
who reigned in about 1473. (Egharevba
1968:73).